Cannon Motors dedicates new dealership

OXFORD – Cannon Motor Co. held a grand opening Thursday for what co-owner Michael Joe Cannon considers its flagship dealership.
The Oxford location is one of eight Cannon-owned automotive franchises in the state.
“My family and I had moved back to Oxford and wanted to build something that the area could be proud of for generations to come,” he said.
Cannon, business partner Jay Hughes, employees and construction officials broke ground on the facility on Highway 6 West in May, and operations began at the new location Dec. 3.
The facility’s showroom, service department and body shop have 26,500, 20,000 and 14,000 square feet, respectively, and replaces the former location on Jackson Avenue.
Cannon said the highway site and additional space adds convenience for both local and out-of-town customers.
“Our new location on the bypass will serve us well given the flow of traffic and the layout of the facility,” he said.
The air-conditioned, ozone-controlled repair shop includes three dedicated quick-lube lanes, and the parts and service departments are open all day Saturday.
Lafayette County Board of Supervisors President Jeff Busby said, “They’re going to be an asset to Oxford and Lafayette County, as they have been already.”
Oxford Mayor George “Pat” Patterson congratulated the Cannon and Hughes families and quipped, “I’m already looking forward to the extra sales tax this place will bring in.”
Cannon Motors operates dealerships in Oxford, Greenwood, Cleveland, Grenada, Calhoun City and Jackson, offering Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Nissan and pre-owned vehicles.
errol.castens@journalinc.com